Students recognized by National Scholars Program at NMSU

National Merit Finalists, front row from left, Kourtney Nicole Oligney and Adrienne Griffin and, back row from left, Donald Wesley Darnell, Daniel George McNeel, Phoebe Joy Wong and Karen Ann Torczynski are now part of New Mexico State University’s National Scholars Program. (NMSU photo by Ben LaMarca)

Six entering freshmen who were named National Merit Finalists are now part of New Mexico State University’s National Scholars Program.The program is aimed at recruiting high school students participating in the National Achievement, National Hispanic and National Merit scholarship programs.

National Merit Finalists from New Mexico automatically receive an enhanced President’s Associates Scholarship, which includes the cost of tuition and fees plus $1,750 each semester; additional scholarship funds from the college or department of the student’s major; a laptop computer; Crimson Scholar status; membership in the Honors College; and participation in the President’s Associates Scholars Enrichment Program.

“Being a National Merit Finalist is a bonus, but not something that means I am smarter than all the other students,” Wong said. “The main way being a Merit Scholar helps me is financially. It could also affect my resume positively.”

National Merit Semifinalists Kyle Locke of Las Cruces, N.M. and Anna Yourstone of Albuquerque, N.M. and National Hispanic Scholar Leslie Zamudio of Deming, N.M. will automatically receive Leadership Scholarships and will be considered for President’s Associates Scholarships.

National Merit Scholars receive recognition for their PSAT and SAT scores.